China National Traditional Orchestra's youth theater troupe performs sci-fi musical Ben Cao Gang Mu, also known as Compendium of Materia Medica on February 19, 2023 in Beijing. Photo: Courtesy of CNTO

 
The China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO) has introduced its youth theater troupe in Beijing to inspire more young people to explore traditional music, while combining Western theater and Chinese folk music.

The CNTO held a press release on Sunday in Beijing, followed by the new troupe's sci-fi musical titled Ben Cao Gang Mu, also known as Compendium of Materia Medica (the same name as China's ancient encyclopedia of traditional Chinese medicine).

The troupe was introduced cooperatively by CNTO and QFunTheater, a children arts theater in China. 

The performance features the troupe members wearing futuristic costumes and playing traditional Chinese instruments. The play aims to explore the inner worlds of children and their evolving perspectives in a rapidly changing global society.

"It gives audience a sense of time traveling," said Zhao Cong, director of CNTO.
"It is amazing job that the troupe transferred Chinese classical music into modern pop. He expressed his excitement that this art form can be presented to a worldwide audience through theater.

The introduction of the youth theater troupe follows the establishment of CNTO's youth choir and youth traditional orchestra, which was a challenging but unique attempt for the organization.  

"What we saw there were all created by the young members in the troupe themselves," noted Zhao after the troupe's debut performance. 

"Art can help young people to spread out their imagination. I've always hoped there is a place for children to do that. And that's why we brought along the youth theater troupe."

In 2023 the troupe will launch their international musical tour, starting in Beijing, where they will travel to countries including Turkmenistan, France, and the UK.